So... I'm not certain why I decided to go now, but last weekend, I decided to try some acupuncture. As I think I mentioned, I am gluten intolerant. I don't think I actually have Celiac disease, but I know I definitely have an issue with gluten. It all started a few years ago when I was training for a century bike ride; of course, everyone knows you have to carbo load, but I'd always feel terrible after eating, bloat up the size of a balloon and be somewhat restless. Well, after going to a general practitioner and then a more naturopathic doctor, I found out gluten was the cause of all that yuck! Over the past few years, I've managed to do pretty good by just cutting gluten out of my diet. However, it's in EVERYTHING. At first I thought that if I couldn't find certain key words in the ingredients list, I was okay. Now though, I look to make sure it says gluten free. Even dark sodas have gluten in them, vanilla, soy sauce, salsa... the list goes on and on.
Recently, I've also been a bit suspicious of dairy, and so I've tried to limit it as well. I'm feeling slightly better, but sometimes, I really miss cheese.
So I've heard a lot of good things about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, so I decided to go check it out. I am
afraid PETRIFIED of needles, which has keep me from giving blood and getting flu shots. In fact, last year during a routine check-up, they wanted some blood. Well, I cried and had to go back the next day. PATHETIC! Anyhow, the whole thing was rather painless. When I arrived I had to fill out a form and the worst part was listing what I ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I know breakfast is an important meal, but I usually skip it. I was nervous about being reprimanded for not being better about eating breakfast. I had a little chat with the acupuncturist about how I was feeling. He checked my tongue and my eyes. Then, I got some herbs and had my treatment.
The little needles don't hurt at all. I had a few needles in my legs, my stomach and then, one or two in my arms. After they were all put in place, I just hung out for about 15 minutes with a warm lamp/light on my stomach. Pretty painless, really.
I can't say that I feel like a million bucks now, but although it would be awesome to feel like a new person after one session, I don't think it works that way. The acupuncturist said I'd feel 25% better. Not quite sure of that either, but I'm headed back later this week and we'll see if I start feeling like a million bucks. I also got some herbs to take and some other vitamins, as well as some digestive enzymes.
Has anyone else done acupuncture? For any particular reason? Is it effective or just a waste of money?
xoxoxo,
lw
PS Don't you wish it was acupuncturer instead of acupuncturist? Way funnier....
